As the Winter 2010 season of South East Coast Basketball rolls into the closing weeks of the regulation program, sides are gearing up to secure finals spots.

Bulldogs Men, with the inclusion of Kym Hammond this season, appears to be the hot favourite for the flag. Simon and Matthew Berkefeld along with Kurt Russell and several other players who have worked their way up through the club from junior ranks give the side an enviable depth of talent and experience. They easily accounted for Saints last week, 80-53. Leading scorers were Simon Berkefeld on 30 and Kym Hammond on 26. Jimmy Fleming led strongly for Saints bagging 22.

The match of the round was played between Panthers and Cougars Men. It was a high scoring free flowing affair in which Panthers got over the line in a fitting farewell for "go to" man Kyle Howe-Tipene, who is taking up a Basketball College Scholarship in the USA. Howe-Tipene (30) and Jeffree (41) led the scoring for their sides. This result saw Panthers hang on to third place and Cougars fourth.

Panthers-Wizards, still below full strength, scored a tradesman like win over cellar dweller Cats. Chris Mason, despite recovering from injury, scored 20 points and quiet achiever Peter Loring got 16. "Mr. Consistency" Sam Laucirica finished with 17 for Cats in the 57-46 result.

Cats Women, through strong performances in the past few weeks, appear to have a firm grip on the minor premier spot. They controlled their game against third placed Panthers to win 52-41. Kate Seebohm and Sarah Pretty kept the score board ticking over for Cats while the hard working Melissa Chuck made double figures for Panthers.

Cougars defeated Bulldogs, 73-46, in the biggest Women's win of the night. Cougars had several consistent contributors including Georgia Green, Catherine Larkin and Maddi Wilson while Bulldogs again relied heavily on Sara Chapple.

Hannah O'Neil and Lisa Coleman are timely additions to the Saints line up this season and have certainly lifted the morale of team members. They led Saints to a 58-53 win over the improving Roos side. The future looks brighter for Saints providing they retain this talented duo. This win keeps the Saints slim finals chances alive.

Next week the feature game of the round will be the battle for the Women's top spot between Cats and Cougars. Another of interest will be the Panthers and stronger Saints contest. A win to Saints will add spice to the outcome of the fourth place battle.

In contrast the Men's games appear predictable as the top sides meet those further down the list.